"I'm told" - Transfer insider claims Newcastle could make end of month proposal for 105-goal ace

Newcastle United are ready to pounce and will look to bring Philippe Coutinho to St James’ Park if Aston Villa opt against completing his permanent switch from Barcelona, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Eddie Howe, who was appointed as the Magpies’ head coach last November, has started to identify targets ahead of the summer window opening for business.

Coutinho joined Villa shortly after the turn of the year, with his loan move from Barcelona including the option to buy for £33million.

But time is running out for the Midlands outfit to take advantage of that caveat as Spanish sources have revealed Villa have until the end of the month to decide whether they want to keep the Brazilian on a permanent basis.

Uncertainty over whether Coutinho will remain at Villa Park has put Newcastle, who became the richest club in world football following a £305million takeover led by the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund last October, on red alert.

The Magpies are reportedly prepared to offer a £1million bonus in a bid to entice Coutinho to St James’ Park, but Barcelona have maintained that negotiating with Villa remains their priority.

Barcelona are keen to cash-in on the 29-year-old as he will enter the final 12 months of his £380,000-per-week Nou Camp contract in the summer.

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Jones understands Newcastle are monitoring Coutinho’s situation and remain keen on luring the playmaker to Tyneside.

The transfer insider believes the Magpies will make an offer if it becomes clear that his loan move to Villa will not be made permanent.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Steven Gerrard still wants Villa to sign Coutinho, but